Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has arrived at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre in Abuja for the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation’s Stakeholders’ Roundtable on Northern Nigerian Youth Development.
The high-profile event, which commenced today, has drawn an array of distinguished personalities, including His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar II; Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu; and former Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako. Other notable figures from across Nigeria are also in attendance.
The two-day roundtable, themed “Empowering the Next Generation: Strategies for Sustainable Youth Development in Northern Nigeria,” aims to address pressing issues concerning the empowerment of youth in the northern region. Stakeholders will deliberate on strategies to foster education, entrepreneurship, employment opportunities, and social inclusion for young people.
In his keynote address, Vice President Shettima emphasized the importance of investing in youth as a pathway to sustainable development. He noted that the federal government remains committed to initiatives that tackle unemployment, improve access to quality education, and address the socio-economic challenges facing northern Nigeria.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar II, highlighted the critical role of collaboration among government agencies, traditional institutions, and the private sector in addressing the developmental challenges in the region.
The event, organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, honors the legacy of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and his vision for a united and prosperous region. It is expected to produce actionable recommendations that will guide policy and program implementation for youth development in the northern states.
Discussions will continue tomorrow, with breakout sessions and presentations by experts and stakeholders focusing on key areas such as education, technology, agriculture, and peacebuilding.